Uncertain Knowledge

The Medicalisation of Intersex People and the Production of Ignorance

Bibliographic Data

ID5934455
AuthorsMichal Raz (0000-0002-4631-7041, Aix-Marseille Université, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume13
Issue8
Pages385
Publication date2024-07-24
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2076-0760 • E-ISSN: 2076-0760
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/socsci13080385
OpenAlexW4400948258
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited54

Ignorance is produced through mechanisms related to power relations and socio-cultural context. This article examines whether the theoretical conceptualisation of agnotology may be useful when exploring intersex and the way it has been erased socially and physically. Specifically, based on the work of a PhD in Sociology and History of Science, it proposes categorising three types of mechanisms of ignorance production-cultural, epistemological and physical-with the aim of providing a greater understanding of how medicine, science and technology participate in a continuous process of erasing intersex bodies and lived experiences. Using medical literature, interviews and observations, the article focuses on a specific area of biomedical knowledge and intervention: the prenatal 'treatment' of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) with dexamethasone or 'prenatal DEX'. It shows how this procedure was pioneered by French doctors and how it continues to be practised in France despite numerous uncertainties and controversies inside and outside of the medical sphere

Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Ignorance · Knowledge management · Knowledge production · Production (economics · Computer Science · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Philosophy · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Technologies · Sexual Differentiation and Disorders · Social Psychology

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